Vattenledningsparken and Junebäckens källor

The Vattenlednings area, including Vattenledningsparken and Junebäckens källor, is a nature reserve and urban close-by outdoor area located in southwestern Jönköping. In this diverse walking area, there is much to discover, including steep mountains, streams, springs, many trails, and protective spruce forests.

In Vattenledningsparken, there are three infiltration ponds with fountains from 1865 that spray water all year round thanks to the natural pressure of the groundwater. The city pulse is just a stone's throw away, yet the Vattenlednings area gives a feeling of being in the middle of nature.

Outdoor life

In the Vattenlednings area, there are steep cliffs, babbling brooks with small waterfalls, deep spruce forests, old trees, large boulders, and an open agricultural landscape that offers beautiful views and cultural monuments. In other words, it is a varied and hilly area.

Several trails run through the reserve. On some trails, cycling is allowed, and horse riding is permitted on public roads. The outdoor area offers cosy trail running with both wide, easily accessible gravel roads and winding, narrow paths.

As usual in Jönköping, there are a few hills when you run around and viewpoints with fantastic views over the city. There are several rest areas and fireplaces.

North of Vattenledningsparken is Klippan, an easily accessible wall for outdoor climbing

Flora and fauna

In the eastern cliff forest, very old linden, elm, and ash trees grow. Together with the trees, rare and endangered fungi and lichens such as Hericium coralloides, elm rust fungus, pale crater lichen, and monastery lichen live.

In 2020, a bird inventory was conducted in the reserve, showing that 54 bird species inhabit the area. Birds found here include the Wood Warbler, Redwing, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, and Pied Flycatcher. A bat inventory was also conducted, finding eight of the country's 19 species.

Jönköping's first waterworks

Vattenledningsparken with Åsendammen is Jönköping's first waterworks. The Åsen plant supplied Jönköping residents with drinking water from 1864 to 1958. At the turn of the last century, Vattenledningsparken was a popular tourist destination with beautiful views, babbling fountains, and a captivating environment. Today, the area is of national interest for cultural heritage conservation.

The Åsen plant was decommissioned in 1958. Twenty years later, the ponds were dilapidated, and the park was overgrown. This was noticed by the public, and the municipality restored it. Just in time for Jönköping's 700th anniversary in 1984, the trails were cleared, the fountains were working, and the views were restored. In this way, Vattenledningsparken and its scenic surroundings once again became a popular recreation and visitor destination.

How to get here

The Vattenlednings area is located about two kilometres south of Jönköping railway station and is easy to reach on foot, by bike, public transport, or car. From the surrounding residential areas of Mariebo, Gräshagen, and Tokarp, several footpaths lead into the reserve. As the area is located on a height, the roads there are uphill.